Overview
In the heart of the Gulf of Mola on the island of Elba
On the east coast of the island of Elba, bathed by the Canal of Piombino, Porto Azzurro lies in the centre of the Gulf of Mola. Formerly known as Porto Longone, after the prison located inside the Longone Fortress, it is now a delightful tourist resort and a fantastic starting point for exploring the island’s coastline.
Strolling through the streets of the historic centre, you can admire the Church of the Madonna del Carmine and the adjacent Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Mary, both dating back to the 18th century, or explore Piazza Matteotti, a meeting place full of shops and restaurants. Standing tall above the village is the Fortress of San Giacomo, also known as the Fortress of Longone, built by Don Garcia de Toledo in 1603. Today, it is a prison and is only partially open to visitors. In the centre of the valley, between Monte Castello and Cima del Monte, is the Iberian Baroque-style Sanctuary of the Madonna di Monserrato.
We recommend walking along the Carmignani promenade, a gentle nature trail with splendid views, within a kilometre of the sandy Barbarossa beach. Other beaches include Reale, Rossa, Terranera—a pebble beach with a mineral lake—and Pianotta. The resort is also home to the island’s first dog-friendly beach, in Mola. The seabed is ideal for scuba diving enthusiasts.
